/ High Efficiency Solar Panels: The 5 Most Efficient Solar Panels on the Market in 2018

High Efficiency Solar Panels: The 5 Most Efficient Solar Panels on the Market in 2018

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When looking for the most efficient solar panels on the market, the first thing you need to be aware of is that just because a solar panel boasts that its main feature is efficiency, that doesn’t always mean that you are going to be provided with the best return on your investment.

There are several factors to take into account when it comes to solar efficiency and when the time comes to make a decision about which ones you are going to buy, you might find that cheaper panels that offer a lower efficiency are going to be a better solution for you if you have a lot of space, as you can just install more of them and they will still produce the same amount of energy as the more efficient (and often more expensive) premium models.

If you are amongst the thousands of people on the quest to find the most efficient solar panels on the market to complete your PV rooftop system, then you don’t need to spend any more time researching. In this article, we will be reviewing the 5 most efficient solar panels on the market this year, so you can make an informed decision about which panel is going to be right for you.

Which Type of Solar Panel is Most Efficient?

Monocrystalline solar panels have been proven to be the most efficient by a long shot, with an efficiency rating of between 15-22%. While this might sound like a low figure, it is actually more than sufficient to power an entire household.

The reason these panels are so efficient is that theyare made out of high purity rating silicon that is designed to withstand high temperatures and extreme weather conditions. These types of panels also have the added benefit of requiring less space, making them a perfect choice if you live in the city or completely off-grid.

SunPower is the largest manufacturer of crystalline solar panels in the world. They introduced the SunPower X22 360W Premium Plus solar panel to the consumer market last year,and it remains the most efficient solar panel available worldwide.

These panels boast a remarkable 22.2 percent efficiency rating, featuring the latest technology in solar PV panels. They are incredibly durable- built to withstand extreme climates, making them an attractive option for customers worldwide.

Key Benefits

High Efficiency: the X-series solar panels generate more energy per square foot and produce 38% more power per panel than competitor brands

Maximum Performance: the panels have been cleverly designed to deliver optimal energy in realistic conditions like partial shade and hot temperatures

Drawbacks

LG used to be criticized for the efficiency of their solar panels, but the new NeOn R panels are testament to the fact that the electronics giant has taken the time to make some incredible improvements with regards to the cell wiring in their panels to enhance their efficiency rating. These panels are now just one step behind the SunPower X series, yielding an impressive 21.1% efficiency rating.

The all-time favorite solar panel providers have outdone themselves with their new and improved approach to the manufacturing process of their solar panels. Their new hetero junction cell technology features two separate layers of high-quality material to create each cell. This means that the failure rates of these solar panels are incredibly low, and they also provide an efficiency of 19.7%.

Key Benefits

Higher energy outputs: thanks to new and improved heterojunction technology

High efficiency:an industry-leading temperature coefficient guarantees efficiency even at high temperatures

Unique water drainage system: meaning your panels won’t get dirty as quickly. More sunlight results in more power

check 25-year product and performance warranty: the power output after 25 years is superior to that of its competitors

checkWell priced: these panels fall in the mid-range price bracket

Drawbacks

Space: similar to the LG solar panels, if your roof space is limited, you might not have enough space to install enough panels for your energy consumption needs.

Drawbacks

Solaria’s Power XT solar panels are some of the sleekest, reliable and most efficient solar panels for a rooftop solar system you can find. With regards to quality and design, they are on par with Sunpower panels, yet more affordable- always good news for the bargain hunters among us.

Key Benefits

Very robust: unique shingling process reduces the number of electric losses found in soldered ribbons

Good shade tolerance: these panels are designed to perform well despite being shaded depending on the time of day

Impressive Warranty: a 25-year warranty is provided

checkBudget Friendly: more affordable than many products on the market, especially when you consider their efficiency

checkSuperior aesthetics: a sleek design means they are more discreet

Drawbacks

We didn’t find any significant drawbacks. They are efficient, reliable and incredibly well designed.

Final Thoughts

It is clear from looking at the efficiency ratings that the SunPower are far superior to other solar panels on the market, but if you don’t have that much money to invest, then you still have several other options that are financially accessible.

You might have to start with fewer panels than you hoped for if you want to invest in the best, but providing you have space, you always have the option of adding additional solar panels in the future.